Methods and devices for presenting interactive media items

ABSTRACT

The various embodiments described herein include methods and systems for presenting interactive media items. In one aspect, a method includes publishing, by a server system, an interactive media item, the publishing comprising providing access for a playback of the interactive media item based on metadata for the interactive media item. The metadata is generated using information associated with the interactive media item and including a mapping of an effect parameter for a first effect of the one or more effects to a touch input gesture. Playback includes, in response to detecting a first user input gesture corresponding to the touch input gesture, applying the first effect to the presented interactive media item. The applying of the first effect includes determining the effect parameter according to one or more characteristics of the first user input gesture, based on the mapping of the effect parameter to the touch input gesture.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/608,103, filed Jan. 28, 2015, entitled “Methods and Devicesfor Presenting Interactive Media Items,” which itself claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/940,262, filed Feb. 14, 2014,both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/608,097, filed Jan. 28, 2015, entitled “Methods and Devices forSynchronizing and Sharing Media Items,” U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/608,099, filed Jan. 28, 2015, entitled “Methods and Devices forTouch-Based Media Creation,” U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/608,105, filed Jan. 28, 2015, entitled “Methods and Devices forModifying Pre-Existing Media Items,” and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/608,108, filed month day, 2015, entitled “Methods and Devices forGenerating Media Items,” which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of Internet technologies, andmore particularly to presenting interactive media items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As wireless networks and the processing power of mobile devices haveimproved, web-based applications increasingly allow everyday users tocreate original content in real-time without professional software. Forexample, Instagram and Vine allow a user to create original mediacontent that is personalized to the user's tastes—anytime and anywhere.Despite the advances in the provision of web-based media creationapplications, some solutions for creating media content are clumsy orill-suited to future improvements in provisioning media content.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scopeof the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of whichis solely responsible for the attributes described herein. Withoutlimiting the scope of the appended claims, after considering thisdisclosure, and particularly after considering the section entitled“Detailed Description” one will understand how the aspects of variousimplementations are used to present interactive media items.

In some embodiments, a method of presenting interactive media items isperformed at a client device (e.g., client device 104, FIGS. 1-2) withone or more processors, memory, and a touch screen display. The methodincludes presenting a media item on the touch screen display, where themedia item is associated with a metadata structure that includes firstinformation identifying at least a portion of an audio track, secondinformation identifying one or more media files, and third informationidentifying one more audio and/or video effects. The presentingincludes: displaying one or more media files associated with the mediaitem; and, while displaying the one or more media files, playing back atleast a portion of an audio track associated with the media item, whereplayback of at least the portion of the audio track is synchronized withthe one or more media files. While presenting the media item, the methodalso includes: detecting a touch input gesture on the touch screendisplay; and, in response to detecting the touch input gesture, applyingan audio and/or video effect specified by the third information to theaudio track being played back and/or at least a portion of the one ormore media files being displayed.

In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., client device 104,FIGS. 1-2) includes one or more processors, a touch screen display, andmemory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or moreprocessors, the one or more programs include instructions for performingthe operations of any of the methods described herein. In someembodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storingone or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions,which, when executed by an electronic device (e.g., client device 104,FIGS. 1-2) with one or more processors and a touch screen display, causethe electronic device to perform the operations of any of the methodsdescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the present disclosure can be understood in greater detail, amore particular description may be had by reference to the features ofvarious implementations, some of which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. The appended drawings, however, merely illustrate the morepertinent features of the present disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting, for the description may admit to other effectivefeatures.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a server-client environment in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a client device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a server system in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4N illustrate example user interfaces for presentinginteractive media items in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a representative metadata structure for arespective media item in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a flowchart representation of a method ofpresenting interactive media items in accordance with some embodiments.

In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated inthe drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions ofthe various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the componentsof a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numeralsmay be used to denote like features throughout the specification andfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous details are described herein in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the example implementations illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. However, some embodiments may be practicedwithout many of the specific details, and the scope of the claims isonly limited by those features and aspects specifically recited in theclaims. Furthermore, well-known methods, components, and circuits havenot been described in exhaustive detail so as not to unnecessarilyobscure more pertinent aspects of the implementations described herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, an application for generating, exploring, andpresenting media items is implemented in a server-client environment 100in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, theapplication includes client-side processing 102-1, 102-2 (hereinafter“client-side module 102”) executed on a client device 104-1, 104-2 andserver-side processing 106 (hereinafter “server-side module 106”)executed on a server system 108. Client-side module 102 communicateswith server-side module 106 through one or more networks 110.Client-side module 102 provides client-side functionalities associatedwith the application (e.g., creation and presentation of media items)such as client-facing input and output processing and communicationswith server-side module 106. Server-side module 106 provides server-sidefunctionalities associated with the application (e.g., generatingmetadata structures for, storing portions of, and causing/directingpresentation of media items) for any number of client modules 102 eachresiding on a respective client device 104.

In some embodiments, server-side module 106 includes one or moreprocessors 112, media files database 114, media item metadata database116, an I/O interface to one or more clients 118, and an I/O interfaceto one or more external services 120. I/O interface to one or moreclients 118 facilitates the client-facing input and output processingfor server-side module 106. One or more processors 112 receive requestsfrom client-side module 102 to create media items or obtain media itemsfor presentation. Media files database 114 stores media files, such asimages and/or video clips, associated with media items, and media itemmetadata database 116 stores a metadata structure for each media item,where each metadata structure associates one or more media files and atleast a portion of an audio track with a media item. In someembodiments, media files database 114 and media item metadata database116 are communicatively coupled with but located remotely from serversystem 116. In some embodiments, media files database 114 and media itemmetadata database 116 are located separately from one another. In someembodiments, server-side module 106 communicates with one or moreexternal services such as audio sources 124 a . . . 124 n (e.g.,streaming audio service providers such as Spotify, SoundCloud, Rdio,Pandora, and the like) and media file sources 126 a . . . 126 n (e.g.,service provider of images and/or video such as YouTube, Vimeo, Vine,Flickr, Imgur, and the like) through one or more networks 110. I/Ointerface to one or more external services 120 facilitates suchcommunications.

Examples of client device 104 include, but are not limited to, ahandheld computer, a wearable computing device (e.g., Google Glass or asmart watch), a biologically implanted computing device, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, an enhanced generalpacket radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a media player, a navigationdevice, a game console, a television, a remote control, or a combinationof any two or more of these data processing devices or other dataprocessing devices.

Examples of one or more networks 110 include local area networks (“LAN”)and wide area networks (“WAN”) such as the Internet. One or morenetworks 110 are, optionally, implemented using any known networkprotocol, including various wired or wireless protocols, such asEthernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, or anyother suitable communication protocol.

In some embodiments, server system 108 is managed by the provider of theapplication for generating, exploring, and presenting media items.Server system 108 is implemented on one or more standalone dataprocessing apparatuses or a distributed network of computers. In someembodiments, server system 108 also employs various virtual devicesand/or services of third party service providers (e.g., third-partycloud service providers) to provide the underlying computing resourcesand/or infrastructure resources of server system 108.

Although server-client environment 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes both aclient-side portion (e.g., client-side module 102) and a server-sideportion (e.g., server-side module 106), in some embodiments, theapplication is implemented as a standalone application installed onclient device 104. In addition, the division of functionalities betweenthe client and server portions can vary in different embodiments. Forexample, in some embodiments, client-side module 102 is a thin-clientthat provides only user-facing input and output processing functions,and delegates all other data processing functionalities to a backendserver (e.g., server system 108).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a representative client device104 associated with a user in accordance with some embodiments. Clientdevice 104, typically, includes one or more processing units (CPUs) 202,one or more network interfaces 204, memory 206, and one or morecommunication buses 208 for interconnecting these components (sometimescalled a chipset). Client device 104 also includes a user interface 210.User interface 210 includes one or more output devices 212 that enablepresentation of media content, including one or more speakers and/or oneor more visual displays. User interface 210 also includes one or moreinput devices including user interface components that facilitate userinput such as a keyboard, a mouse, a voice-command input unit ormicrophone, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a touch-screen display, atouch-sensitive input pad, a gesture capturing camera, or other inputbuttons or controls. Furthermore, some client devices 104 use amicrophone and voice recognition, a camera and gesture recognition, abrainwave sensor/display, or biologically implanted sensors/displays(e.g. digital contact lenses, fingertip/muscle implants, and so on) tosupplement or replace the keyboard, display, or touch screen. Memory 206includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM,or other random access solid state memory devices; and, optionally,includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid state storage devices. Memory 206, optionally,includes one or more storage devices remotely located from one or moreprocessing units 202. Memory 206, or alternatively the non-volatilememory device(s) within memory 206, includes a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium. In some implementations, memory 206, or thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of memory 206, storesthe following programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset orsuperset thereof:

-   -   operating system 216 including procedures for handling various        basic system services and for performing hardware dependent        tasks;    -   network communication module 218 for connecting user device 104        to other computing devices (e.g., server system 108, audio        sources 124 a . . . 124 n, and media file sources 126 a . . .        126 n) connected to one or more networks 110 via one or more        network interfaces 204 (wired or wireless);    -   presentation module 220 for enabling presentation of information        (e.g., a media item, a user interface for an application or a        webpage, audio and/or video content, text, etc.) at client        device 104 via one or more output devices 212 (e.g., displays,        speakers, etc.) associated with user interface 210; and    -   input processing module 222 for detecting one or more user        inputs or interactions from one of the one or more input devices        214 and interpreting the detected input or interaction.

In some embodiments, memory 206 also includes a client-side module 102associated with an application for creating, exploring, and playing backmedia items that includes, but is not limited to:

-   -   detecting module 224 for detecting one or more user inputs        corresponding to the application;    -   requesting module 226 for querying a server (e.g., server system        108) for a media item;    -   receiving module 228 for receiving, from server system 108, one        or more media files (e.g., one or more video clips and/or one or        more images), information identifying at least a portion of an        audio track associated with the requested media item, and        information identifying one or more audio and/or video effects        (i.e., static and/or interactive effects);    -   determining module 230 for determining a source for the audio        track associated with the media item (e.g., one or more audio        sources 124 and/or audio library 260);    -   obtaining module 232 for obtaining at least the portion of the        audio track associated with the media item;    -   presenting module 234 for presenting the requested media item        via one or more output devices 212 by displaying the one or more        media files associated with the media item on the display and        playing back at least the portion of the audio track via the one        or more speakers associated with the media item;    -   synchronizing module 236 for synchronizing at least the portion        of the audio track with the one or more media files;    -   effects module 238 for applying audio and/or video effects        (i.e., static and/or interactive effects) while displaying the        one or more media files and/or playing back at least the portion        of the audio track;    -   sharing module 240 for sharing the media item via one or more        sharing methods (e.g., email, SMS, social media outlets, etc.);    -   modifying module 242 for modifying a pre-existing media item so        as to generate a new media item based on the pre-existing media        item; and    -   publishing module 244 for publishing the new media item.

In some embodiments, memory 206 also includes client data 250 forstoring data for the application. Client data 250 includes, but is notlimited to:

-   -   audio buffer 252 for buffering at least the portion of the        obtained audio track for playback;    -   video buffer 254 for buffering the one or more media files        received from server system 108 for display;    -   video library 256 storing one or more pre-existing video clips        recorded prior to executing the application;    -   image library 258 storing one or more pre-existing images        captured prior to executing the application;    -   audio library 260 storing one or more pre-existing audio tracks        created or stored prior to executing the application;    -   effects library 262 including functions for implementing one or        more real-time or post-processed audio and/or video effects        (e.g., OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) shaders); and    -   user profile 264 including a plurality of preferences associated        with the application for the user of client device 104.

Each of the above identified elements may be stored in one or more ofthe previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set ofinstructions for performing a function described above. The aboveidentified modules or programs (i.e., sets of instructions) need not beimplemented as separate software programs, procedures, modules or datastructures, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined orotherwise re-arranged in various implementations. In someimplementations, memory 206, optionally, stores a subset of the modulesand data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 206,optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not describedabove.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating server system 108 in accordancewith some embodiments. Server system 108, typically, includes one ormore processing units (CPUs) 112, one or more network interfaces 304(e.g., including I/O interface to one or more clients 118 and I/Ointerface to one or more external services 120), memory 306, and one ormore communication buses 308 for interconnecting these components(sometimes called a chipset). Memory 306 includes high-speed randomaccess memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solidstate memory devices; and, optionally, includes non-volatile memory,such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storagedevices. Memory 306, optionally, includes one or more storage devicesremotely located from one or more processing units 112. Memory 306, oralternatively the non-volatile memory device(s) within memory 306,includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. In someimplementations, memory 306, or the non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of memory 306, stores the following programs, modules,and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   operating system 310 including procedures for handling various        basic system services and for performing hardware dependent        tasks;    -   network communication module 312 that is used for connecting        server system 108 to other computing devices (e.g., client        devices 104, audio sources 124 a . . . 124 n, and media file        sources 126 a . . . 126 n) connected to one or more networks 110        via one or more network interfaces 304 (wired or wireless);    -   a server-side module 106 associated with the application for        generating, exploring, and presenting media items that includes,        but is not limited to:        -   receiving module 314 for receiving a request, from client            device 104, to playback a media item or for receiving at            least a portion of the modified metadata structure;        -   transmitting module 318 for transmitting, to client device            104, one or more media files (e.g., one or more video clips            and/or a sequence of one or more images) associated with the            requested media item, information identifying at least a            portion of an audio track associated with the requested            media item, and information identifying one or more audio            and/or video effects associated with the requested media            item; and        -   maintaining module 320 for maintaining media item metadata            database 116, including, but not limited to:            -   updating module 322 for updating one or more fields,                tables, and/or entries in a metadata structure                associated with a respective media item (e.g., play                count, likes, shares, comments, associated media items,                and so on);            -   generating module 324 for generating a metadata                structure for a new media item;            -   analyzing module 326 for analyzing the audio track and                the one or more media files associated with the new                media item; and            -   determining module 328 determining whether the analyzed                audio track and one or more media files match one of the                reference audio tracks and/or video clips in reference                database 344;        -   modifying module 330 for flattening the new media item into            a single stream or digital media item or for re-encoding            media items for different formats and bit rates;        -   effects module 332 for receiving and transmitting video            and/or audio effects (i.e., static and/or interactive            effects) as scripts or computer-readable instructions (e.g.,            GLSL shaders for use with OpenGL ES) augmented with effect            metadata corresponding to effect type, effect version,            content, effect parameters, and so on;    -   server data 340, including but not limited to:        -   media files database 114 storing one or more media files            (e.g., images and/or video clips);        -   media item metadata database 116 storing a metadata            structure for each media item, where each metadata structure            associates one or more media files and at least a portion of            an audio track with a media item;        -   effects database 342 storing one or more real-time or            post-processed audio and/or video effects as scripts or            computer-readable instructions (e.g., GLSL shaders for use            with OpenGL ES) augmented with effect metadata corresponding            to effect type, effect version, content, effect parameters,            a table mapping of interactive input modalities to effect            parameters for real-time effect interactivity, and so on;            and        -   reference database 344 storing a plurality of reference            audio tracks and video clips and associated preferences.

Each of the above identified elements may be stored in one or more ofthe previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set ofinstructions for performing a function described above. The aboveidentified modules or programs (i.e., sets of instructions) need not beimplemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwisere-arranged in various implementations. In some implementations, memory306, optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structuresidentified above. Furthermore, memory 306, optionally, stores additionalmodules and data structures not described above.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces andassociated processes that may be implemented on a respective clientdevice 104 with one or more speakers 402 enabled to output sound, zeroor more microphones 404 enabled to receive sound input, and a touchscreen 406 (sometimes also herein called a touch screen display) enabledto receive one or more contacts and display information (e.g., mediacontent, webpages and/or user interfaces for an application). FIGS.4A-4N illustrate example user interfaces for presenting interactivemedia items in accordance with some embodiments.

Although some of the examples that follow will be given with referenceto inputs on touch screen 406 (where the touch sensitive surface and thedisplay are combined), in some embodiments, the device detects inputs ona touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display. In someembodiments, the touch sensitive surface has a primary axis thatcorresponds to a primary axis on the display. In accordance with theseembodiments, the device detects contacts with the touch-sensitivesurface at locations that correspond to respective locations on thedisplay. In this way, user inputs detected by the device on thetouch-sensitive surface are used by the device to manipulate the userinterface on the display of the device when the touch-sensitive surfaceis separate from the display. It should be understood that similarmethods are, optionally, used for other user interfaces describedherein.

Additionally, while the following examples are given primarily withreference to finger inputs (e.g., finger contacts, finger tap gestures,finger swipe gestures, etc.), it should be understood that, in someembodiments, one or more of the finger inputs are replaced with inputfrom another input device (e.g., a mouse based input or stylus input).For example, a swipe gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click(e.g., instead of a contact) followed by movement of the cursor alongthe path of the swipe (e.g., instead of movement of the contact). Asanother example, a tap gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouseclick while the cursor is located over the location of the tap gesture(e.g., instead of detection of the contact followed by ceasing to detectthe contact). Similarly, when multiple user inputs are simultaneouslydetected, it should be understood that multiple computer mice are,optionally, used simultaneously, or a mouse and finger contacts are,optionally, used simultaneously.

FIGS. 4A-4N show user interface 408 displayed on client device 104(e.g., a mobile phone) for an application for generating, exploring, andpresenting media items; however, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat the user interfaces shown in FIGS. 4A-4N may be implemented onother similar computing devices. The user interfaces in FIGS. 4A-4N areused to illustrate the processes described herein, including theprocesses described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIG. 4A illustrates client device 104 displaying a user interface for afeed view of the application that includes a feed of media items ontouch screen 406. In FIG. 4A, the user interface includes a plurality ofmedia item affordances 410 corresponding to media items generated byusers in a community of users and search query box 416 configured toenable the user of client device 104 to search for media items. In someembodiments, media affordances 410 corresponding to sponsored mediaitems are displayed at the top or near the top of the feed of mediaitems. In some embodiments, advertisements are concurrently displayedwith the feed of media items such as banner advertisements oradvertisements in a side region of the user interface. In someembodiments, one or more of media item affordances 410 correspond tomedia items that are advertisements. In FIG. 4A, each of media itemaffordances 410 includes a title 412 of the corresponding media item anda representation 414 of the user in the community of users who authoredthe corresponding media item. For example, each of representations 414includes an image associated with the author of the media item (e.g., aheadshot or avatar) or an identifier, name, or handle associated withthe author of the media item. In some embodiments, a respectiverepresentation 414, when activated (e.g., by a touch input from theuser), causes client device 104 to display a profile associated with theauthor of the corresponding media item.

In FIG. 4A, the user interface also includes navigation affordance 418,which, when activated (e.g., by a touch input from the user), causesclient device 104 to display a navigation panel for navigating betweenuser interfaces of the application (e.g., one or more of a feed view,user profile, user media items, friends view, exploration view,settings, and so on) and creation affordance 420, which, when activated(e.g., by a touch input from the user), causes client device 104 todisplay a first user interface of a process for generating a media item.For further description of the process for generating a media item seeU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/934,665, entitled “Methodsand Devices for Touch-Based Media Creation,” filed Jan. 31, 2014, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In FIG. 4A, theuser interface includes a portion of media item affordances 410-g and410-h indicating that the balance of the media items can be viewed byscrolling downwards in the feed view. FIG. 4A also illustrates clientdevice 104 detecting contact 422 at a location corresponding to mediaitem affordance 410-b.

For example, in response to detecting contact 422 selecting media itemaffordance 410-b in FIG. 4A, client device 104 sends a notification toserver system 108 to update a play count field in the metadata structureassociated with the respective media item (e.g., play count field 526 inFIG. 5). In this example, in response to receiving the notification,server system 108 or a component thereof (e.g., updating module 322,FIG. 3) updates play count field 526, as shown in FIG. 5, in a metadatastructure associated with the respective media item corresponding tomedia item affordance 410-b to reflect the notification.

FIG. 4B illustrates client device 104 presenting a respective media itemon touch screen 406 that corresponds to media item affordance 410-b inresponse to detecting contact 422 selecting media item affordance 410-bin FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4B, the user interface includes informationaffordance 424, which, when activated (e.g., by a touch input from theuser), causes client device 104 to display an informational userinterface with information and one or more options associated with therespective media item and representation 426, which, when activated(e.g., by a touch input from the user), causes client device 104 todisplay a profile associated with the author of the respective mediaitem. For example, representation 426 is an image associated with theauthor of the respective media item (e.g., a headshot or avatar) or anidentifier, name, or handle associated with the author of the respectivemedia item. In FIG. 4B, the user interface also includes hashtags 428associated with the respective media item, remix affordance 430, which,when activated (e.g., by a touch input from the user), causes clientdevice 104 to display options (e.g., remix options 460 in FIG. 4M) formodifying the respective media item, and like affordance 432, which,when activated (e.g., by a touch input from the user), causes clientdevice 104 to send a notification to server system 108 to update a likefield in the metadata structure associated with the respective mediaitem (e.g., likes field 530 in FIG. 5). For example, in response toreceiving the notification, server system 108 or a component thereof(e.g., updating module 322, FIG. 3) updates likes field 530, as shown inFIG. 5, in a metadata structure associated with the media item toreflect the notification. FIG. 4B also illustrates client device 104detecting a left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 436 on touch screen406. FIG. 4B also illustrates client device 104 detecting aleft-to-right swipe gesture with contact 438 on touch screen 406. FIG.4B further illustrates client device 104 detecting contact 439 on touchscreen 406 (e.g., a press and hold gesture).

In some embodiments, advertisements are concurrently displayed with therespective media item such as banner advertisements or advertisements ina side region of the user interface. In some embodiments, owners ofcopyrighted audio tracks and video clips upload at least a sample of theaudio tracks and video clips to reference database 344 (FIG. 3)associated with the provider of the application. For example, prior toor while presenting the respective media item, server system 108 or acomponent thereof (e.g., analyzing module 326, FIG. 3) analyzes the oneor more audio tracks and one or more video clips associated with therespective media item to determine a digital fingerprint for the one ormore audio tracks and one or more video clips. In some embodiments, whenserver system 108 or a component thereof (e.g., determining module 328,FIG. 3) determines that the digital fingerprint for the one or moreaudio tracks and one or more video clips associated with the respectivemedia item matches copyrighted audio tracks and/or video clips inreference database 344, server system 108 or a component thereof isconfigured to share advertising revenue with the owners of copyrightedaudio tracks and/or video clips.

FIG. 4C illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4B, and applying an interactive windeffect (e.g., specified in the metadata structure associated with therespective media item) to the one or more media files and the audiotrack associated with the respective media item in response to detectingthe left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 436 in FIG. 4B. In someembodiments, one or more characteristics of the swipe gesture, such asthe gesture type, number of contacts, direction, acceleration, speed, ordistance, determine one or more parameters of the wind effect. In FIG.4C, the wind effect is applied to the one or more media files associatedwith the respective media item in a left-to-right directioncorresponding to the direction of the swipe gesture in FIG. 4B. In FIG.4C, the magnitude of the wind effect's impact on the one or more mediafiles is determined by the acceleration or distance of the swipe gesturewith contact 436 in FIG. 4B. Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 4C, thewind effect is also applied to the audio track associated with therespective media item in a manner determined by the swipe gesture withcontact 436 in FIG. 4B. For example, the magnitude that the wind effectdistorts the audio track, or the volume of the wind effect being appliedto the audio track, is determined by the acceleration or distance of theswipe gesture with contact 436 in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4C also illustratesclient device 104 detecting contact 440 on touch screen 406 at alocation corresponding to remix affordance 430.

FIG. 4D illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4B, and applying an interactive windeffect (e.g., specified in the metadata structure associated with therespective media item) to the one or more media files and the audiotrack associated with the respective media item in response to detectingthe left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B. In FIG. 4D,the wind effect is applied to the one or more media files associatedwith the respective media item in a left-to-right directioncorresponding to the direction of the swipe gesture with contact 438 inFIG. 4B. In FIG. 4D, the magnitude of the wind effect's impact on theone or more media files is determined by the acceleration or distance ofthe swipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B. Furthermore, withreference to FIG. 4D, the wind effect is also applied to the audio trackassociated with the respective media item in a manner determined by theswipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B. For example, with respect toFIGS. 4C-4D, the magnitude of the wind effect's impact on the one ormore media files and the audio track associated with the respectivemedia item is greater in FIG. 4D than in FIG. 4C because the distance ofthe swipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B is greater than thedistance of the swipe gesture with contact 436 in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4E illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4B, and applying an interactivepixelization effect (e.g., specified in the metadata structureassociated with the respective media item) to the one or more mediafiles associated with the respective media item in response to detectingcontact 439 in FIG. 4B. In FIG. 4E, the magnitude of the pixelizationeffect's impact on the one or more media files is determined by theduration of contact 439 (e.g., a press and hold gesture) in FIG. 4B. Forexample, the longer the touch gesture is held the greater the one ormore media files are pixelized (i.e., the dimensions of each pixel inthe one or more media files being presented are increased). FIG. 4E alsoillustrates client device 104 detecting contact 442 on touch screen 406.

FIG. 4F illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4E, and further applying thepixelization effect to the one or more media files associated with therespective media item in response to detecting contact 442 in FIG. 4E.In FIG. 4F, the magnitude of the pixelization effect's impact on the oneor more media files is increased (i.e., compared to its magnitude inFIG. 4E) in response to the duration of contact 442 (e.g., a press andhold gesture) in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 4G illustrates client device 104 presenting a respective media itemon touch screen 406 that corresponds to media item affordance 410-b inresponse to detecting contact 422 selecting media item affordance 410-bin FIG. 4A. FIG. 4G also illustrates client device 104 automaticallyapplying an interactive swirl effect (e.g., specified in the metadatastructure associated with the respective media item) to the one or moremedia files associated with the respective media item in response todetecting contact 422 selecting media item affordance 410-b in FIG. 4A.In some embodiments, one or more parameters of the swirl effect, such asdirection, radius, speed, and so on, are predetermined (e.g., by theauthor of the respective media item) in the metadata structureassociated with the respective media item. In FIG. 4G, the swirl effectis applied to the one or more media files associated with the respectivemedia item in a counter-clockwise manner (e.g., as specified in themetadata structure associated with the respective media item). FIG. 4Galso illustrates client device 104 detecting a counter-clockwisedragging gesture with contact 444 on touch screen 406.

FIG. 4H illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4G, and further applying the swirleffect to the one or more media files associated with the respectivemedia item in response to detecting the gesture with contact 444 in FIG.4G. In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the gesture,such as the gesture type, number of contacts, direction, acceleration,speed, and so on, determine the manner in which the one or moreparameters of the swirl effect are modulated. In FIG. 4H, the magnitudeof the swirl effect's impact on the one or more media files in thecounter-clockwise direction is increased (i.e., compared to itsmagnitude in FIG. 4G) in response to detecting the dragging gesture FIG.4G. FIG. 4H also illustrates client device 104 detecting a clockwisedragging gesture with contact 448 on touch screen 406.

FIG. 4I illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIGS. 4G-4H, and further applying the swirleffect to the one or more media files associated with the respectivemedia item in response to detecting the dragging gesture in FIG. 4H. InFIG. 4I, the swirl effect is applied to the one or more media files in aclockwise direction in response to detecting the clockwise dragginggesture in FIG. 4H.

FIG. 4J illustrates client device 104 presenting a respective media itemon touch screen 406 that corresponds to media item affordance 410-b inresponse to detecting contact 422 selecting media item affordance 410-bin FIG. 4A. FIG. 4J also illustrates client device 104 automaticallyapplying an interactive ripple effect (e.g., specified in the metadatastructure associated with the respective media item) to the one or moremedia files associated with the respective media item in response todetecting contact 422 selecting media item affordance 410-b in FIG. 4A.In some embodiments, one or more parameters of the ripple effect, suchas wave type, orientation, frequency, amplitude, and so on, arepredetermined (e.g., by the author of the respective media item) in themetadata structure associated with the respective media item. In FIG.4J, the ripple effect is applied to the one or more media filesassociated with the respective media item using a plurality of sinewaves applied in a horizontal direction (e.g., as specified in themetadata structure associated with the respective media item). In FIG.4J, the user interface includes effect modulator 452 for modulating oneor more parameters of the ripple effect in real-time. For example, inFIG. 4J, effect modulator 452 is a slider that increases the amplitudeof the sine waves associated with the ripple effect when slidleft-to-right and decreases the amplitude of the sine waves associatedwith the ripple effect when slid right-to-left. In some embodiments,effect modulator 452 controls multiple parameters of an interactiveaudio and/or video effect to simplify the user experience whenmodulating the interactive audio and/or video effect. FIG. 4J alsoillustrates client device 104 detecting a pinch gesture with contacts454 and 456 on touch screen 406.

FIG. 4K illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4J, and further applying the rippleeffect to the one or more media files associated with the respectivemedia item in response to detecting the pinch gesture with contacts 454and 456 in FIG. 4J. In some embodiments, one or more characteristics ofthe gesture, such as the gesture type, number of contacts, direction,acceleration, speed, and so on, determines the manner in which the oneor more parameters of the ripple effect are modulated. In FIG. 4K, thefrequency of the sine waves associated with the ripple effect areincreased (i.e., compared to the frequency in FIG. 4J) in response todetecting the pinch gesture in FIG. 4J. Conversely, for example, thefrequency of the sine waves associated with the ripple effect aredecreased in response to a de-pinch gesture that is substantiallyopposite to the pinch gesture in FIG. 4J. FIG. 4K also illustratesclient device 104 detecting a dragging gesture with contact 458 on touchscreen 406 at a location corresponding to effect modulator 452.

FIG. 4L illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIGS. 4J-4K, and further applying theripple effect to the one or more media files associated with therespective media item in response to detecting the dragging gesture withcontact 458 in FIG. 4K. In FIG. 4L, the amplitude of the sine wavesassociated with the ripple effect are increased (i.e., compared to theamplitude in FIGS. 4J-4K) in response to detecting the dragging gesturein FIG. 4K.

FIG. 4M illustrates client device 104 continuing to present therespective media item, as in FIG. 4C, and, also, displaying remixoptions 460 over the respective media item being presented on touchscreen 406 in response to detecting contact 440 selecting remixaffordance 430 in FIG. 4C. In FIG. 4M, remix options 460 include:affordance 462 for adding, removing, and/or modifying audio and/or videoeffect associated with the respective media item; affordance 464 foradding and/or removing one or more video clips associated with therespective media item; and affordance 466 for adding and/or removing oneor more audio tracks associated with the respective media item. FIG. 4Malso illustrates client device 104 detecting contact 468 at a locationcorresponding to affordance 466.

For example, after detecting contact 468 selecting affordance 466, inFIG. 4M, to add and/or remove one or more audio tracks associated withthe media item presented in FIGS. 4C and 4M, the user of client deviceselects an audio track from audio library 260 (FIG. 2) or an audiosource 124 (FIG. 1) to replace the audio track associated with therespective media item. In this example, the user of client device 104selects a cover of the audio track associated with the respective mediaitem to replace the audio track associated with the respective mediaitem (e.g., as specified in the metadata structure associated with therespective media item).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, in response to detecting contact 440selecting remix affordance 430 in FIG. 4C, client device 104 enters aremix mode for editing the respective media item. In the remix mode,client device 104 displays a sequence of representations correspondingto the one or more video clips comprising the respective media item.While in the remix mode, the user of client device 104 is able to removeor reorder video clips associated with the respective media item byperforming one or more gestures with respect to the representations inthe sequence of representations. Furthermore, while in the remix mode,the user of client device 104 is able to shoot one or more additionalvideo clips, apply different audio and/or video effects, and/or changethe audio track associated with the respective media item.

FIG. 4N illustrates client device 104 displaying a preview of themodified media item on touch screen 406 that was created from the mediaitem presented to FIGS. 4C and 4M. In FIG. 4N, the user interfaceincludes back navigation affordance 470, which, when activated (e.g., bya touch input from the user), causes client device 104 to display aprevious user interface (e.g., the user interface in FIG. 4M),navigation affordance 418, which, when activated (e.g., by a touch inputfrom the user), causes client device 104 to display a navigation panelfor navigating between user interfaces of the application (e.g., one ormore of a feed view, user profile, user media items, friends view,exploration view, settings, and so on), and creation affordance 420,which, when activated (e.g., by a touch input from the user), causesclient device 104 to display a first user interface of a process forgenerating a media item. In FIG. 4N, the user interface also includespre-existing hashtags 428 associated with the respective media item andtext entry box 474 for adding a comment or hashtag to the modified mediaitem.

In FIG. 4N, the user interface also includes publish affordance 472,which, when activated (e.g., by a touch input from the user), causesclient device 104 to cause the modified media item to be published. FIG.4N also illustrates client device 104 detecting contact 476 at alocation corresponding to publish affordance 472. In some embodiments,client device 104 causes the modified media item to be published bysending, to server system 108, first information identifying the one ormore audio tracks (e.g., the selected cover of the audio trackassociated with the respective media item) associated with the modifiedmedia item, second information identifying one or more media filesassociated with the modified media item, and third informationidentifying the one or more audio and/or video effects associated withthe modified media item.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of representative metadata structure 510 for a mediaitem in accordance with some embodiments. For example, in response toreceiving information from a client device indicating that a user of theclient device has generated a new media item (e.g., the modified mediaitem generated from the media item presented in FIGS. 4C and 4M), serversystem 108 or a component thereof (e.g., generating module 324, FIG. 3)generates metadata structure 510. In some embodiments, the receivedinformation at least includes first information identifying one or moreaudio tracks associated with the new media item and second informationidentifying one or more media files (e.g., one or more video clipsand/or a sequence of one or more images) associated with the new mediaitem. In some embodiments, the received information also includes thirdinformation identifying one or more audio and/or video effectsassociated with the new media item. In some embodiments, metadatastructure 510 is stored in media item metadata database 116, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, and maintained by server system 108 or a componentthereof (e.g., maintaining module 320, FIG. 3).

Metadata structure 510 includes a plurality of entries, fields, and/ortables including a subset or superset of the following:

-   -   identification tag field 512 includes a unique identifier for        the media item;    -   author field 514 includes the identifier, name, or handle        associated with the creator/author of the media item;    -   date/time field 516 includes a date and/or time stamp associated        with generation of the media item;    -   one or more media file pointer fields 518 including a pointer or        link (e.g., a URL) for each of the one or more media files        (e.g., one or more video clips and/or a sequence of one or more        images) associated with the media item;    -   one or more audio track pointer fields 520 for each of the one        or more audio tracks associated with the media item;    -   one or more start time fields 521 for each of the one or more        audio tracks associated with the media item;    -   effects table 522 includes an entry 523 for each of zero or more        audio and/or video effects to be applied to the media item at        run-time upon playback by a subsequent viewer, for example,        entry 523-a includes one or more of: the identifier, name, or        handle associated with the user who added the effect; the effect        type; the effect version; the content (e.g., one or more media        files and/or audio tracks) subjected to the effect; a start time        (t1) for the effect; an end time (t2) for the effect; one or        more preset parameters (p1, p2, . . . ) for the effect; and an        effect script or computer-readable instructions for the effect        (e.g., GLSL);    -   interactive effects table 524 includes an entry 525 for each of        zero or more interactive audio and/or video effects to be        controlled and manipulated at run-time by a subsequent viewer of        the media item, for example, the entry 525-a includes one or        more of: the identifier, name, or handle associated with the        user who added the interactive effect; the interactive effect        type; the interactive effect version; the content (e.g., one or        more media files and/or audio tracks) subjected to the effect;        one or more parameters (p1, p2, . . . ) for the interactive        effect; a table mapping interactive input modalities to effect        parameters; and an effect script or computer-readable        instructions for the interactive effect (e.g., GLSL);    -   play count field 526 includes zero or more entries 528 for each        playback of the media item, for example, entry 528-a includes:        the identifier, name, or handle associated with the user who        played the media item; the date and time when the media item was        played; and the location where the media item was played;    -   likes field 530 includes zero or more entries 532 for each like        of the media item, for example, entry 532-a includes: the        identifier, name, or handle associated with the user who liked        the media item; the date and time when the media item was liked;        and the location where the media item was liked;    -   shares field 534 includes zero or more entries 536 for each        share of the media item, for example, entry 536-a includes: the        identifier, name, or handle associated with the user who shared        the media item; the method by which the media item was shared;        the date and time when the media item was shared; and the        location where the media item was shared;    -   comments field 538 includes zero or more entries 540 for each        comment (e.g., a hashtag) corresponding to the media item, for        example, entry 540-a includes: the comment; the identifier,        name, or handle associated with the user who authored the        comment; the date and time when the comment was authored; and        the location where the comment was authored; and    -   associated media items field 542 includes zero or more entries        544 for each media item (e.g., a parent or child media item)        associated with the media item, for example, entry 544-a        corresponding to a parent media item associated with the media        item includes: an identification tag for the parent media item;        the identifier, name, or handle associated with the user who        authored the parent media item; the date and time when the        parent media item was authored; and the location where the        parent media item was authored.

In some implementations, metadata structure 510, optionally, stores asubset of the entries, fields, and/or tables identified above.Furthermore, metadata structure 510, optionally, stores additionalentries, fields, and/or tables not described above.

In some embodiments, effect parameters include, but are not limited to:(x,y) position and scale of audio and/or video effects, edits,specification of interactive parameters, and so on. In some embodiments,media item metadata database 116 stores a metadata structure for eachmedia item generated by a user in the community of users associated withthe application. In some embodiments, each media item is associated witha family tree, and each family tree includes a genesis nodecorresponding to a root media item (e.g., original media item) and aplurality of leaf nodes corresponding to media items that are modifiedversions of the root media item. In some embodiments, the root mediaitem is a professionally created video (e.g., a music video, film clip,or advertisement) either in “flat” format or in the metadata-annotatedformat with media items and metadata. In some embodiments, the rootmedia item is associated with audio tracks and/or video clips inreference database 344 (FIG. 3). The root media item is automaticallydetermined and is added to the family tree as the genesis node when adigital fingerprint for the one or more audio tracks and one or morevideo clips corresponding to a respective media item matches the audiotracks and/or video clips in reference database 344 associated with theroot media item.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a flowchart diagram of a method 600 of presentinginteractive media items in accordance with some embodiments. In someembodiments, method 600 is performed by an electronic device with one ormore processors, memory, and a touch screen display. For example, insome embodiments, method 600 is performed by a mobile device (e.g.,client device 104, FIGS. 1-2) or a component thereof (e.g., client-sidemodule 102, FIGS. 1-2). In some embodiments, method 600 is governed byinstructions that are stored in a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium and the instructions are executed by one or moreprocessors of the electronic device. Optional operations are indicatedby dashed lines (e.g., boxes with dashed-line borders).

In some embodiments, the client device detects (602) a touch input onthe touch screen display selecting a media item. For example, in FIG.4A, client device 104 detects contact 422 at a location corresponding tomedia item affordance 410-b to present the media item associated withmedia item affordance 410-b.

In some embodiments, the client device sends (604), to a server, arequest for the selected media item in response to detecting the touchinput. For example, in response to detecting contact 422, in FIG. 4A, ata location corresponding to media item affordance 410-b, client device104 sends a request to server system 108 requesting the media item thatcorresponds to media item affordance 410-b.

In some embodiments, the client device receives (606), from the server,a metadata structure associated with the selected media item. In someembodiments, the metadata structure associated with the requested mediaitem is stored in media item metadata database 116 (FIGS. 1 and 3) atserver system 108. In some embodiments, client device 104 receives, fromserver system 108, a metadata structure, or a portion thereof,associated with the requested media item (e.g., including informationidentifying one or more media files associated with the requested mediaitem and information identifying at least a portion of an audio trackassociated with the requested media item).

In some embodiments, the metadata structure includes (608) firstinformation identifying at least a portion of an audio track associatedwith the media item, second information identifying one or more mediafiles associated with the media item, and third information identifyingone or more audio and/or video effects. In some embodiments, the firstinformation includes a pointer to each of one or more audio tracksassociated with the media item, and the second information includes apointer to each of one or more media files associated with the mediaitem. In some embodiments, a respective pointer to an audio track pointsto an audio track stored in audio library 260 (FIG. 2) associated withthe user of client device 104 or available from one or more audiosources 124, FIG. 1 (e.g., a streaming audio service provider such asSpotify, SoundCloud, Rdio, Pandora, or the like). In some embodiments, arespective pointer to a media file points to a media file stored inmedia file database 114 or available from one or more media file sources126, FIG. 1 (e.g., a service provider of images and/or video such asYouTube, Vimeo, Vine, Flickr, Imgur, and the like).

In some embodiments, the third information identifies one or more staticor interactive audio and/or video effects associated with the requestedmedia item. In some embodiments, the one or more audio and/or videoeffects are static, predetermined effects that are stored in effectstable 522 in a metadata structure 510, as shown in FIG. 5, and the oneor more audio and/or video effects are applied to the one or more mediafiles and/or the portion of the audio track at run-time. In someembodiments, the one or more audio and/or video effects are interactiveeffects that are stored in interactive effects table 524 in a “inresponse to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or“upon detecting” or “in response toe application of one or more audioand/or video interactive effects to the one or more media files and/orthe portion of the audio track in real-time upon playback. Storage ofthe audio and/or video effects in effects table 522 and/or interactiveeffects table 524 enables the application to maintain original, firstgeneration media files and audio tracks in an unadulterated and highquality form and to provide an unlimited modification functionality(e.g., remix and undo).

For example, client device 104 downloads effects, from server system108, at run-time including computer-readable instructions or scripts forthe effects written in a language such as GLSL, accompanied by effectmetadata indicating effect type, effect version, effect parameters, atable mapping interactive modalities (e.g., touch, gesture, sound,vision, etc.) to effect parameters, and so on. In this way, the choice,number, and type of effect can be varied at run-time. In someembodiments, a web-based content management server (CMS) is availablefor the real-time browser-based authoring and uploading of effects tothe server, including real-time preview of effects on video and/or audio(e.g., using technologies such as WebGL). In some embodiments, the audioand/or video effects have interactive components that can specified andcustomized by authors via the CMS, and then be controlled andmanipulated at run-time via user inputs.

In some embodiments, the client device obtains (610) the one or moremedia files associated with the media item based at least in part on thesecond information. In some embodiments, in accordance with the secondinformation identifying the one or more media files associated with themedia item, client device 104 obtains one or more media files associatedwith the requested media item from media file database 114 and/or fromone or more media file sources 126 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, clientdevice 104 buffers the one or more media files in video buffer 254 (FIG.2) for display.

In some embodiments, the client device determines (612) one or moresources for the portion of the audio track associated with the mediaitem based at least in part on the first information. In someembodiments, in accordance with the first information identifying atleast the portion of the audio track associated with the media item,client device 104 or a component thereof (e.g., determining module 230,FIG. 2) determines whether the audio track identified by the firstinformation is available in audio library 260 (FIG. 2) and/or from oneor more audio sources 124 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, when the audiotrack is neither available in audio library 260 nor from one of the oneor more audio sources 124, the client device presents the user of clientdevice 104 with the option to buy the audio track from an audio trackmarketplace (e.g., Amazon, iTunes, etc.). In some embodiments, when theaudio track is available from one or more audio sources 124, clientdevice 104 additionally presents the user of client device 104 with theoption to buy the audio track and/or to subscribe to one or more audiosource 124 from which the audio track is available.

In some embodiments, the client device obtains (614) at least theportion of the audio track associated with the media item from one ofthe one or more determined sources. In some embodiments, afterdetermining a source for the audio track (e.g., audio library 260 (FIG.2) and/or one of the one or more audio sources 124 (FIG. 1)), clientdevice 104 or a component thereof (e.g., obtaining module 232, FIG. 2)obtains at least the portion of the audio track from the determinedsource and buffers at least the portion of the audio track in audiobuffer 252 (FIG. 2) for playback.

The client device presents (616) the media item on the touch screendisplay. The media item is associated with the metadata structure thatincludes first information identifying at least a portion of an audiotrack associated with the media item, second information identifying oneor more media files associated with the media item, and thirdinformation (e.g., effects metadata) identifying one more audio and/orvideo effects (e.g., static and/or interactive effects).

The presenting includes displaying (618) the one or more media filesassociated with the media item. In some embodiments, the one or moremedia files include one or more video clips and/or a sequence of one ormore images. For example, in FIG. 4B, client device 104 or a componentthereof (e.g., presenting module 234, FIG. 2) displays on touch screen406 the one or more media files associated with the media item thatcorresponds to media item affordance 410-b selected in FIG. 4A.

The presenting also includes playing back (620) at least a portion of anaudio track associated with the media item while displaying the one ormore media files, the playback of at least the portion of the audiotrack is synchronized with the one or more media files. For example,with reference to FIG. 4B, client device 104 or a component thereof(e.g., presenting module 234, FIG. 2) plays back, via one or morespeakers 402, at least a portion of an audio track associated with themedia item that corresponds to media item affordance 410-b selected inFIG. 4A. In some embodiments, client device 104 or a component thereof(e.g., synchronizing module 236, FIG. 2) synchronizes playback of theportion of the audio track with display of the one or more media itemsby starting playback of the portion of the audio track from the audioplayback timestamp identified in the synchronization information (e.g.,audio start time field 521, FIG. 5).

While presenting the media item (622), the client devices detects (624)a touch input gesture on the touch screen display. For example, in FIG.4B, client device 104 detects a left-to-right swipe gesture with contact436 on touch screen 406. In another example, in FIG. 4B, client device104 detects a left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 438 on touchscreen 406. In another example, in FIG. 4B, client device 104 detectscontact 439 (e.g., a press and hold gesture) on touch screen 406. In afurther example, in FIG. 4G, client device 104 detects a counter-wisedragging gesture with contact 444 on touch screen 406.

In some embodiments, the touch input gesture activates (626) the audioand/or video effect specified by the third information. For example, thewind effect applied to the one or more media files and the audio trackassociated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4C is activatedby left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 436 in FIG. 4B. In anotherexample, the wind effect applied to the one or more media files and theaudio track associated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4D isactivated by left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B. Ina further example, the pixelization effect applied to the one or moremedia files associated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4E isactivated by contact 439 in FIG. 4B.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect isautomatically applied to the one or more media files and/or the audiotrack associated with the media item in accordance with one or morepredetermined parameters specified in the metadata structure associatedwith the media item. For example, in FIG. 4G, an interactive swirleffect is automatically applied to the one or more media filesassociated with the media item being presented. In this example, one ormore parameters of the swirl effect, such as direction, radius, speed,and so on, are predetermined by the author of the media item beingpresented in FIG. 4G. In another example, in FIG. 4J, an interactiveripple effect is automatically applied to the one or more media filesassociated with the media item being presented. In this example, one ormore parameters of the ripple effect, such as wave type, orientation,frequency, amplitude, and so on, are predetermined by the author of themedia item being presented in FIG. 4J.

While presenting the media item (622), the client device applies (628)an audio and/or video effect specified by the third information to theaudio track being played back and/or at least a portion of the one ormore media files being displayed in response to detecting the touchinput gesture. In some embodiments, the interactive audio and/or videoeffects and one or more corresponding parameters are predetermined bythe author of the media item and specified in the metadata structureassociated with the media item (e.g., in effects table 522 and/orinteractive effects table 524, FIG. 5). Alternatively, in someembodiments, the user of client device 104 selects an effect from a menuof interactive effects specified in the metadata structure associatedwith the media item. In some embodiments, the interactive effects areactivated by a touch input. Alternatively, in some embodiments, theinteractive effects are automatically applied to the one or more mediafiles and/or audio track associated with the media item. Alternatively,in some embodiments, the interactive effects are automatically appliedto the one or more media files and/or audio track associated with themedia item, and the effect parameters are varied based on automaticanalysis of audio or video media items such as audio beat detection orvolume, or video movement or color, etc.

For example, in response to detecting the left-to-right swipe gesturewith contact 436 in FIG. 4B, the interactive wind effect is applied tothe one or more media files and audio track associated with the mediaitem being presented in FIG. 4C. In another example, in response todetecting the left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B,the interactive wind effect is applied to the one or more media filesand audio track associated with the media item being presented in FIG.4D. In another example, in response to detecting contact 439 in FIG. 4B,the pixelization effect is applied to the one or more media filesassociated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4E. In a furtherexample, the ripple effect is automatically applied to the one or moremedia files associated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4J.Continuing with this example, in response to detecting the pinch gesturewith contacts 454 and 456 in FIG. 4J, the frequency of the sine wavesassociated with the ripple effect being applied to the one or more mediafiles associated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4K areincreased (i.e., compared to the frequency in FIG. 4J).

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect is applied (630)(e.g., in real-time) to the portion of the audio track being played backand/or at least the portion of the one or more media files beingdisplayed based at least in part on one or more characteristics of thedetected touch input gesture. For example, the one or morecharacteristics include: the gesture type, (x,y) position of the gestureor contact, number of contacts for a multi-contact (or multi-finger)gesture, distance between contacts for a multi-contact (or multi-finger)gesture, pressure of a contact, distance covered between touch-down andlift-off of contact(s) performing a gesture, velocity and/oracceleration of a gesture, change in velocity and/or acceleration of agesture, and so on. In some embodiments, the location contactscomprising the touch input gesture are mapped to effects. In oneexample, in response to left-to-right swipe gesture with contact 436 inFIG. 4B, the wind effect is applied to the one or more media filesassociated with the media item being presented in FIG. 4C in aleft-to-right direction. In another example, with respect to FIGS.4C-4D, the magnitude of the wind effect's impact on the one or moremedia files and the audio track associated with the respective mediaitem is greater in FIG. 4D than in FIG. 4C because the distance of theswipe gesture with contact 438 in FIG. 4B is greater than the distanceof the swipe gesture with contact 436 in FIG. 4B.

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics of the detectedtouch input gesture include (632) at least one of a location of theinput gesture and a gesture type associated with the input gesture. Forexample, in FIG. 4K, the frequency of the sine waves associated with theripple effect applied to the one or more media files associated with themedia item being presented are increased (i.e., compared to thefrequency in FIG. 4J) in response to detecting the pinch gesture in FIG.4J. In this example, a pinch gesture increases the frequency of the sinewaves associated with the ripple effect, and, conversely, a de-pinchgesture that is substantially opposite to the pinch gesture decreasesthe frequency of the sine waves associated with the ripple effect.Continuing with this example, a different gesture type, such as asubstantially semicircular clockwise or counter-clockwise dragginggesture, changes the orientation of the sine waves associated with theripple effect (e.g., from a horizontal to vertical orientation), andanother gesture type, such as a substantially left-to-right orright-to-left swipe gesture, changes the wave type associated with theripple effect (e.g., from a sine to sawtooth waveform).

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect modifies (634) one ormore parameters of the one or more media files being displayed on apixel-by-pixel basis. In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effectvaries the color, brightness, saturation, texture overlay, etc. of theone or more media files associated with the media item being displayedbased on the coordinates of the touch input gesture. For example, pixelsof the one or more media files associated with the media item beingpresented that are within a predetermined radius from the (x,y)coordinates of a detected contact (e.g., a tap gesture) are affected bya brightness or saturation effect.

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect modifies (636)geometry of at least the portion of the one or more media files beingdisplayed based at least in part on a predetermined form of geometricdistortion. In some embodiments, a mathematical function or a lookuptable mapping from source (x,y) pixel positions to destination (x,y)pixel positions is used. For example, in FIGS. 4G-4I, a swirl effectdistorts the geometry of at a least the portion of the one or more mediafiles being displayed, and, in FIGS. 4J-4L, a ripple effect distorts thegeometry of at a least the portion of the one or more media files beingdisplayed. In another embodiment, previously recorded, or real-timereadings of the accelerometer rotate the orientation of the video duringplayback (e.g. in a web-based media player) to present the preferredorientation of the video to the user at all times.

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect modifies the temporalorder or speed of the portion of the audio track being played backand/or the one or more media files being displayed. For example, theframe rate of the one or more media files being displayed are increasedor decreased according to a detected touch input gesture. As such, aninteractive slow-motion or fast-motion (i.e., undercranking) effect isapplied to the media item and is controlled by the viewer at run time.

In some embodiments, when the one or more video clips corresponding to amedia item are shot in more than one orientation, client-side module 102or a web-based media player associated with the application isconfigured to present the preferred orientation of the video clips tothe user at all times. For example, a video clip corresponding to amedia item includes an initial 5 seconds shot in portrait orientation,the next 15 seconds shot in landscape orientation, and the final 40seconds shot in portrait orientation. Continuing with this example,during presentation of the media item, client-side module 102 or theweb-based media player associated with the application presents thevideo clip in the preferred orientation by seamlessly adapting theaspect ratio and/or resolution of the video clip in real time to conformto real-time readings of the accelerometer associated with client device104. As such, if readings from the accelerometer indicate that clientdevice 104 is in portrait orientation, the video clip is alwayspresented in portrait orientation regardless of the orientation in whichthe video clip was shot. In this way, presentation of the media item isnot a jarring experience for the user of client device 104.

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect modifies (638) theaudio track being played back with one or more digital signal processingfilters. For example, when an interactive auto-tuner effect is specifiedin the metadata structure associated with the media item beingpresented, touch input gestures on the user interface modulate the audiotrack associated with the media item being presented with a digitalsignal processing filter corresponding to the auto-tuner effect. Inanother example, when an interactive wah-wah pedal effect is specifiedin the metadata structure associated with the media item beingpresented, touch input gestures on the user interface modulate the audiotrack associated with the media item being presented with a digitalsignal processing filter corresponding to the wah-wah effect.

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect generates (640)synthetic music based on one or more algorithms for automated musicproduction. In some embodiments, an audio effect allows the user ofclient device 104 to input a number of stems from an original audiotrack used to create a song. For example, the effect allows thedifferent stems to be turned on or off, and to apply volume adjustmentsand effects to the stems, when the user remixes a song. In someembodiments, an audio effect comprises a MIDI description of notes,phrases, instruments, and samples, along with computer-readable code toalgorithmically combine these elements into music in the style of aparticular musical artist, yet with new structure, notation, effects, ortiming produced by interacting with the effect at run time.

In some embodiments, the audio and/or video effect generates (642)musical information via one or more synthesized instruments based atleast in part on one or more characteristics of the touch input gesture(e.g., the type or location of the touch input gesture and quality ofmovement). For example, while presenting the media item associated withaffordance 410-b selected in FIG. 4A, the user interface in FIG. 4Bbehaves like an instrument to produce musical notes. Continuing withthis example, when an interactive guitar effect is specified in themetadata structure associated with the media item being presented, touchgestures on the user interface in FIG. 4B resembling guitar strumminggenerate corresponding musical notes via a synthesized guitar.

In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the touch inputgesture identify (644) the portion of the audio track being played backand/or the one or more media files being displayed. For example, one ormore characteristics of the touch input gesture, such as gesture type,direction, and so on, produce a video and/or audio experience whosenarrative flow changes based on subsequent touch input gestures (e.g.,akin to a choose your own adventure story). For example, the effect canmake choices of which audio track and/or video clips to play based ontouch input gestures such as choosing whether two characters in a videoor animation fall in love, whether a character dies, whether a planet isdestroyed or saved, etc. In another example, the narrative issynthetically generated computer graphic imagery resembling a photorealistic (e.g. Avatar) or cartoon-like (e.g. Toy Story) narrative thatis generated in real-time. The touch input gestures determine themovements, narrative choices, and other story elements within acomputer-generated interactive narrative, similar to those experiencedby video games such as Grand Theft Auto when played in “worldexploration” mode. As such, the media item corresponds to the narrativeexperience comprising any combination of the one or more media items,the audio track, or synthetic computer-generated material.

In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the touch inputgesture determine (646) choices in a video-game experience, where themedia item corresponds to the video-game experience. For example, theuser of client device 104 attempts to match a visual display of whatnote is being played. In another example, the user of client device 104attempts to tap at the same tempo as a song. In a further example, theuser of client device 104 plays a game in which accumulated pointsunlock audiovisual and interactive elements within the audiovisualexperience. In another example, an effect could be an elaborate worldexploration video game (e.g., Grand Theft Auto or a massive multiplayeronline game (MMO) such as World of Warcraft) and the soundtrack to thevisuals changes based on the game play and situations encountered.

In some embodiments, the portion of the audio track being played backand/or at the one or more media files being displayed are partially orcompletely generated (648) synthetically in real time. In one example, aparticle system (e.g., a visualizer) responds to the audio trackassociated with the media item and changes based on detected touch inputgestures. In another example, interactive songs and instruments, whosestructure, timbre, tempo, or other qualities are synthetically generatedat run-time are varied based on touch input gestures. In a furtherexample, one or more synthetic 3D characters are displayed based on theaudio track associated with the media item. In this example, the one ormore synthetic 3D characters are programmed to dance and/or lip-sync tothe audio track. Continuing with this example, the one or more synthetic3D characters respond/react to touch input gestures. Further continuingwith this example, the one or more synthetic 3D characters arecustomizable, for example, the user of client device 104 is able tochoose different attributes for the look and movement of the synthetic3D character.

In some embodiments, the client device displays (650) one or morecontrols for the audio and/or video effect overlaying the displayed oneor more media files (e.g., user interface components such as a slider,intensity bar, knob, pedal, turntable, etc.). For example, in FIGS.4J-4L, the user interface includes effect modulator 452 for modulating(e.g., in real-time) one or more parameters of the ripple effect beingapplied to the one or more media files associated with the media itembeing presented in FIGS. 4J-4L. For example, in FIGS. 4J-4L, effectmodulator 452 is a slider that increases the amplitude of the sine wavesassociated with the ripple effect when slid left-to-right and decreasesthe amplitude of the sine waves associated with the ripple effect whenslid right-to-left. In some embodiments, a control modulates more thanone parameter of the interactive audio and/or video effect to simplifythe user experience. Alternatively, in some embodiments, controls forthe audio and/or video effect are not displayed on touch screen 406 but,instead, the audio and/or video effect responds to user input gesturesdetected on touch screen 406.

In some embodiments, after applying the audio and/or video effect, theclient device detects (652) a second input gesture, and, in response todetecting the second touch input gesture, the client device modifies oneor more parameters of the audio and/or video effect being applied basedat least in part on the second input gesture. In some embodiments, thefirst touch input gesture starts/applies a first level of the effect andthe second touch input gesture further alters or defines the effect. Forexample, contact 439 in FIG. 4B activates the pixelization effectapplied to the one or more media files associated with the media itembeing presented in FIG. 4E. Continuing with this example, in response todetecting contact 442 in FIG. 4E, the magnitude of the pixelizationeffect's impact on the one or more media files associated with the mediaitem being presented in FIG. 4F is increased (i.e., compared to itsmagnitude in FIG. 4E).

In some embodiments, the client device detects (654) one or more secondtouch inputs, and, in response to detecting the one or more second touchinputs, the client device modifies the media item based on the one ormore second touch inputs. For example, client device 104 detects contact468 selecting affordance 466, in FIG. 4M, to add and/or remove one ormore audio tracks associated with the media item presented in FIGS. 4Cand 4M. Continuing with this example, client device 104 detects one ormore second touch inputs selecting a cover audio track from audiolibrary 260 (FIG. 2) or one or the one or more audio sources 124(FIG. 1) to replace the audio track associated with the media item.Further continuing with this example, client device 104 creates amodified media item based on the media item presented in FIGS. 4C and 4Mwith the selected cover audio track.

In some embodiments, the client device publishes (656) the modifiedmedia item with attribution to an author of the media item. For example,in response to the one or more second user inputs modifying the mediaitem presented in FIGS. 4C and 4M by selecting a cover audio track,client device 104 publishes the modified media item by sending, toserver system 108, first information identifying the one or more audiotracks associated with the modified media item (e.g., the selected coverof the audio track associated with the media item presented in FIGS. 4Cand 4M), second information identifying one or more media filesassociated with the modified media item, and third informationidentifying the one or more audio and/or video effects associated withthe modified media item. In some embodiments, attribution is given to anauthor of individual new or modified media items and metadata. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 5, each entry 523 in effects table 522and each entry 525 in interactive effects table 524 includes theidentifier, name, or handle associated with the user who added theeffect.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first touch input could betermed a second touch input, and, similarly, a second touch input couldbe termed a first touch input, without changing the meaning of thedescription, so long as all occurrences of the “first touch input” arerenamed consistently and all occurrences of the “second touch input” arerenamed consistently. The first touch input and the second touch inputare both touch inputs, but they are not the same touch input.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. Asused in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination”or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it isdetermined [that a stated condition precedent is true]” or “if [a statedcondition precedent is true]” or “when [a stated condition precedent istrue]” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response todetermining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting”or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to best explain principles ofoperation and practical applications, to thereby enable others skilledin the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of presenting interactive media items,comprising: at a server system, receiving information associated with aninteractive media item, the information associated with the interactivemedia item including information identifying an audio file, informationidentifying at least one visual media file, and information on one ormore effects; and publishing, by the server system, the interactivemedia item, the publishing comprising providing access for a playback ofthe interactive media item based on metadata for the interactive mediaitem, the metadata for the interactive media item generated using theinformation associated with the interactive media item and including amapping of an effect parameter for a first effect of the one or moreeffects to a touch input gesture, wherein the playback comprises: inresponse to user selection of the interactive media item, presenting theinteractive media item on a display; and in response to detecting afirst user input gesture corresponding to the touch input gesture,applying the first effect to the presented interactive media item, theapplying of the first effect comprising determining the effect parameteraccording to one or more characteristics of the first user inputgesture, based on the mapping of the effect parameter to the touch inputgesture.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting the interactivemedia item comprises: concurrently playing back at least a portion ofthe audio file in synchronization with display of the at least onevisual media file.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein applying the firsteffect to the presented interactive media item comprises applying thefirst effect to at least one of: the at least a portion of the audiofile being played back; and at least a portion of the at least onevisual media file being displayed.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising obtaining, from the metadata for the interactive media item,metadata information identifying the one or more effects and linking atleast one effect of the one or more effects to a particular gesturetype, the metadata information including the mapping of the effectparameter to the touch input gesture.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising, providing, by the server system, the one or more effects inconnection with the presenting of the interactive media item.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising obtaining the metadata for theinteractive media item in connection with the presenting of theinteractive media item, the metadata including first informationidentifying a first location corresponding to the audio file, secondinformation identifying a second location corresponding to the one ormore visual media files, and third information identifying the one ormore effects.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: obtaining atleast a portion of the audio file from the first location based on thefirst information; and obtaining the at least one visual media filebased on the second information.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein theone or more effects are controllable using one or more controls on anoverlay of the presented interactive media item.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the effect parameter of the first effect is modifiedaccording to one or more characteristics of a second user input gesturecorresponding to the touch input gesture, the second user input gestureoccurring after the first user input gesture.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the one or more effects are selected from a group comprising:one or more audio effects; one or more visual effects; and one or moreaudiovisual effects.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or morecharacteristics of the first user input gesture include at least one of:a location of the first user input gesture, and a gesture type of thefirst user input gesture.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the firsteffect modifies one or more parameters of the presented interactivemedia item on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first effect modifies a geometry of at least a portion of thepresented interactive media item based at least in part on apredetermined form of geometric distortion.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the first effect modifies the temporal order or speed of atleast a portion of the presented interactive media item.
 15. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first effect modifies at least a portion ofpresented interactive media item with one or more digital signalprocessing filters.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first effectgenerates synthetic music based on one or more algorithms for automatedmusic production.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first effectgenerates musical information via one or more synthesized instrumentsbased at least in part on one or more characteristics of the first userinput gesture.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a subset ofthe one or more characteristics of the first user input gesturedetermines a choice in a video-game experience, wherein the interactivemedia item corresponds to the video-game experience.
 19. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: storing, by the server system, the metadatafor the interactive media item in a metadata database in response to thereceiving of the information associated with the interactive media item.20. A server system, comprising: one or more processors; and memorystoring one or more programs to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, the one or more programs comprising instructions for:receiving information associated with an interactive media item, theinformation associated with the interactive media item includinginformation identifying an audio file, information identifying at leastone visual media file, and information on one or more effects; andpublishing, by the server system, the interactive media item, thepublishing comprising providing access for a playback of the interactivemedia item based on metadata for the interactive media item, themetadata for the interactive media item generated using the informationassociated with the interactive media item and including a mapping of aneffect parameter for a first effect of the one or more effects to atouch input gesture, wherein the playback comprises: in response to userselection of the interactive media item, presenting the interactivemedia item on a display; and in response to detecting a first user inputgesture corresponding to the touch input gesture, applying the firsteffect to the presented interactive media item, the applying of thefirst effect comprising determining the effect parameter according toone or more characteristics of the first user input gesture, based onthe mapping of the effect parameter to the touch input gesture.
 21. Anon-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or moreprograms, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which, whenexecuted by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:receive information associated with an interactive media item, theinformation associated with the interactive media item includinginformation identifying an audio file, information identifying at leastone visual media file, and information on one or more effects; andpublish the interactive media item, the publishing comprising providingaccess for a playback of the interactive media item based on metadatafor the interactive media item, the metadata for the interactive mediaitem generated using the information associated with the interactivemedia item and including a mapping of an effect parameter for a firsteffect of the one or more effects to a touch input gesture, wherein theplayback comprises: in response to user selection of the interactivemedia item, presenting the interactive media item on a display; and inresponse to detecting a first user input gesture corresponding to thetouch input gesture, applying the first effect to the presentedinteractive media item, the applying of the first effect comprisingdetermining the effect parameter according to one or morecharacteristics of the first user input gesture, based on the mapping ofthe effect parameter to the touch input gesture.